Hyperserotoninemia in Functional Gastrointestinal Disease

Abstract

The precise physiologic role of serotonin (5-HT) is unclear. However, it is considered to participate as an integral part of the process mediating and regulating intestinal tone and peristalsis (1, 2). It is also thought to participate in central nervous system function (3). Recent studies seriously question the responsibility of 5-HT in the production of some extra intestinal features of carcinoid disease (4-6). However, even in the absence of direct evidence for its playing a causal role, hyperserotoninemia appears to be closely related to the gastrointestinal manifestations.

Hyperserotoninemia can produce nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, as is seen in